Intention
The intent is to provide a safe atmosphere where participants experience and become aware of life options. These options might relate to: Attitudes, Perceptions, Beliefs, Interpretations, Behaviors and Actions.
Overview
o The process provides teachable moments where participants become aware of circumstances related to life configuration patterns. When these situations occur there is an opportunity to reflect, discuss, dialogue; and if comfortable express and/or commit to desired change.
o Key components of the ITEM model are the utilization of group process dynamics, experience learning, and change facilitation; and to encourage a sense of presence, awareness and the personal transformation process.
o The ITEM model utilizes group facilitation. The process of group dynamics has potential for many therapeutic positive.
Change and the Transformational Process
Change is always happening. Persons’ can allow positive change and/or they can find ways to sabotage themselves.
The Change Facilitation process encourages the process of positive change which includes faith, awareness, learning, and acceptance.
The primary assumption is our individual experiences can be a catalyst for learning, wellness, growth and healing.
Positive change with focus, commitment, and determination can be transformational; and the healing process may include: emotions and feelings related to the past; the present; current situations; and the future.
Life Configuration Patterns
The ITEM model includes 5 major categories and 17 Life Configuration Patterns (LCP). These life themes represent a full spectrum of the dynamics of living. The LCP themes and sub-themes provide the basis for the facilitation plan. The ITEM model is very fluid and is adaptable to a variety of participants and facilitation settings.
Program Focus Options
o Life learning education and training
o Awareness and human potential
o Medical and psychiatric inpatient and outpatient settings.
Venue Options
o An introductory session is available for wellness, healthcare, hospice, and/or education professionals. This session includes an overview of the dynamics of the ITEM model, an interactive experiential process, followed by a discussion of the facilitation dynamics. Time duration can range from 40 to 100 minutes; and it is best to have at least 4 participants.
o Therapeutic sessions usually require at least 8 to 14 participants with duration of 90 to 110 minutes; and a minimum of two weeks between sessions.
o The ITEM group facilitation process can also accommodate larger groups pertinent to meetings, conferences, seminars, and public events.
Investigative Research Questions
o Can Life Configuration Patterns (LCP) [Link] serve as quantified predictors for: personal wellbeing; reduced health care cost; and limiting the onset and severity of periodic illness and chronic disease.
o Can ITEM programming which includes: group facilitation, experience learning, and transformational change, provide intervention which enhances personal wellbeing; reduced health care cost; and limiting the onset and severity of periodic illness and chronic disease.
Program Fluidity
ITEM can be adapted to accommodate and be integrated into all levels of health care: In-patient medical and/or psychiatric, and outpatient services; as well as persons motivated to make positive changes in daily life patterns.